A proud member of the KU family

Recently, I attended the 110th anniversary of Kansas basketball, a weekend event that, I’m sure, will be fondly remembered by all who attended.

Approximately 10 years ago, I spoke at an event at Kansas University and spoke specifically about the “KU family.” Some former players and friends continue to question me regarding my feelings about KU. I wish all of the detractors could have been present for the Feb. 15 weekend, because if they had, they would know how I feel about the university and why!

My son attended the anniversary weekend with me and was extremely impressed. All of the activities were well attended, and seeing old friends was a thrill by itself.

On Sunday morning, my son and I prepared to return to Seattle and, upon looking outside, witnessed something I hadn’t seem for over 25 years: A blustery, wintry snowstorm significant enough to close KCI airport. Well, we made it back to Seattle after a two-and-a-half-hour drive to the airport. (My son didn’t talk a lot during the drive from Lawrence, but the look on his face told me there was a significant amount of fear in his heart. Anyone remember the character Dwayne in the Woody Allen movie Annie Hall?)

On Sunday night, I received a call from former player Ron Franz who called me from Memphis to learn if my son and I had returned safely. The next morning, I received calls from Riney Lochmann, Butch Ellison and Ralph Light who were calling to see if we got home safely. I never played ball with Ron Franz and hadn’t seen him since the 100 anniversary. I played ball with Riney Lochmann half a semester and had not seen him for nearly 25 years. Butch Ellison, who lives in Kansas City, Kan., and I remain friends and talk at least once a month and visit each other about every two or three years. I never played ball with Ralph Light and hadn’t seen him in approximately 40 years. Those calls were made because each of them cared, and it’s the perfect example of what is meant by being a member of the KU family!

So in conclusion, I think the chancellor, the athletic director, head basketball coach Bill Self and Joanie in the basketball office for making us feel so at home. To my four family members who called in concern for my son and me, thank you, thank you. You completed a special weekend in a very special way that I shall never forget.